Festival of Trees celebrates 10 years

Organizers of the annual Festival of Trees are crediting 10 years of success to the generous support of the community.

ANIESA HOLMES - Daily News Staff

Organizers of the annual Festival of Trees are crediting 10 years of success to the generous support of the community.

This year’s event will take place on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. at the American Legion Building next to the Onslow County Fairgrounds. Monday is reserved for seniors citizens and for area students.

Festival of Trees serves as the main fundraiser for Onslow Caregivers, Inc., which provides patients of Onslow County Home Health and Hospice with medical services, food and everyday supplies.

Coordinator Jean Cole said that the 10 to 15 volunteers rely heavily on hours of assistance from local Marines and additional volunteers, who gather and trim trees and transform the building into a winter wonderland.

“We're a very small volunteer group; and we have to depend on city and county residents all coming together, and they always do,” Cole said. “By the time we get done with the festival, we've worked with 400 individuals, businesses, churches and groups. It's literally put on by the community, and that's what makes it so good.”

For a $2 donation at the door, visitors can take in 65 decorated trees sponsored by local schools, businesses and organizations, as well as holiday displays, homemade sweets, a gift shop and a gingerbread house. Nancy St. Charles will direct this year’s holiday entertainment, with a full schedule of local singers, dancers and musicians taking the stage on Saturday and Sunday.

A raffle and silent auction will also be held both days with dozens of items up for bid, including UNC basketball tickets and memorabilia from Appalachian State University’s championship football team.

While the holiday season is usually a time of joy, many residents face devastating illnesses and the high costs of medical assistance. Cole said that every contribution toward Festival of Trees helps to put families at ease during difficult times.

“I know what it takes to be a caregiver and sometimes having something around like Onslow Home and Hospice is what we need, and I applaud what they do,” Cole said. “That's where my passion is. There’s a time when everyone when they need a little extra help and that's what we’re here for.”